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Tag: #RuralDevelopment

  • HCL Foundation, UP govt renew Samuday pact till 2031

    HCL Foundation, UP govt renew Samuday pact till 2031

    In a major push for rural development, HCL Foundation and the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday announced a landmark extension of their Samuday partnership, renewing the flagship rural development programme for another five years, through 2031.

    The two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding at a ceremony in Lucknow, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Rural Development Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, Minister of State for Rural Development Vijay Laxmi Gautam, and senior government officials.

    Maurya said the state government remains committed to integrated rural development, noting that the Samuday partnership had driven significant change in Hardoi district over the past 11 years, and that the renewed MoU aims to replicate this transformation in other districts of Uttar Pradesh.

    Since its launch in Hardoi in 2015, the Samuday partnership by HCL Foundation has grown into one of India’s largest government-CSR collaborations. The programme now spans 579 Gram Panchayats across 13 districts of Uttar Pradesh, reaching more than 3 million people. It is also active in 95 Gram Panchayats in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district, benefiting over 140,000 residents.

    Under the renewed Samuday partnership, focus areas will include strengthening rural livelihoods, improving education and healthcare access, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, advancing water and sanitation infrastructure, empowering Panchayati Raj institutions, and deepening convergence with government schemes, besides extending the programme’s footprint to additional districts.

    Dr Nidhi Pundhir, Director, HCL Foundation, said the organisation works closely with communities and government bodies to strengthen rural ecosystems and build development models that can be scaled across geographies. She added that the past decade of the Samuday partnership had shown how government, communities and the private sector could jointly deliver lasting impact, and that HCL Foundation looks forward to deepening this collaboration.

    Samuday’s impact since 2015:

    • Over 1.99 million people reached through health and nutrition programmes
    • More than 534,000 students benefited from improved learning environments
    • 113,000+ farmers supported with better agricultural practices
    • 85,000+ youth and women aided through livelihood initiatives
    • 2,224 kWp of renewable energy infrastructure created
    • 2,300+ households covered under waste management interventions

    HCL Foundation, the CSR arm of HCLTech, has so far impacted over 8.5 million lives across its programmes in education, sports, health, sanitation, skilling, livelihood and environmental sustainability.

  • NABARD-IMD sign MoU to boost farmer weather data

    NABARD-IMD sign MoU to boost farmer weather data

    National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) signed an MoU on Monday to integrate IMD’s agro-meteorological data products into DiCRA (Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture), an open-source digital platform backed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and NABARD.

    The agreement aims to make weather and climate data freely accessible to farmers, financial institutions, policymakers and researchers across the country, an official statement said.

    The MoU was signed by Sanjeev D Rohilla, Chief General Manager, Department of Climate Action and Sustainability at NABARD, and Bikram Singh, Scientist-G and Head of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Mumbai.

    NABARD Chairman Shaji Krishnan V, IMD Director General of Meteorology Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, and senior officials from both organisations were present at the ceremony.

    Under the deal, IMD will supply district and block-level weather forecasts, agromet advisories, in-situ observations and weather alerts through a dedicated Weather Portal on DiCRA. The data will sit alongside DiCRA’s existing geospatial datasets on soil moisture, vegetation health, crop conditions and climate vulnerability, giving users decision-ready insights at the local level.

    “Climate risk cannot be treated as a standalone issue; it has to be integrated into our development and financing decisions,” Krishnan said, adding that the partnership would help “forewarn both the farmer and the bank.”

    Mohapatra said Indian weather forecasting accuracy has improved by 40 to 50 percent over the past decade, with forecasts now reaching the panchayat level, but that reaching every farmer in a usable format remained the next challenge.

    NABARD will use DiCRA’s open APIs to distribute district-level advisories, seasonal risk alerts and weather-linked vulnerability assessments to credit officers, field staff, researchers and farmers via web, mobile and API channels. The Weather Portal integration also supports NABARD’s own weather portal on DiCRA, which is currently under development.

    NABARD, India’s apex rural development bank, was established in 1982. IMD, founded in 1875, is India’s national meteorological service under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. DiCRA, recognized as a Digital Public Good in 2022, is jointly maintained by NABARD with technical support from UNDP.

  • Jindal Stainless launches landmark Parivartan plan

    Jindal Stainless launches landmark Parivartan plan

    Jindal Stainless Foundation (JSF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Jindal Stainless, said on Monday it has launched a landmark initiative called “Parivartan,” an integrated village development programme targeting Ladwa village near the company’s Hisar manufacturing facility in Haryana.

    The programme is expected to benefit approximately 7,500 to 8,000 residents, the foundation said, through a participatory model covering healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, agriculture, livelihood promotion, sanitation, environmental sustainability, community participation and institutional strengthening.

    JSF Chairperson Deepika Jindal said the Parivartan initiative reflects the company’s belief that businesses and communities should grow together. “Through ‘Parivartan,’ we aim to create a sustainable and inclusive development model for Ladwa Village by addressing critical areas such as healthcare, education, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability,” Jindal said, adding the foundation intends to build partnerships that deliver lasting social impact.

    Rather than standalone interventions, the foundation said Parivartan will pursue a comprehensive village development model built around community ownership and local capacity-building, in partnership with the Gram Panchayat, government departments, community-based organisations and NGOs.

    The programme will begin with a baseline survey and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) to assess Ladwa’s socio-economic profile and identify priorities, JSF said. Findings will feed into a Village Development Plan prepared jointly with local stakeholders.

    JSF said it will hold regular Gram Sabha meetings and consultations with youth, women, farmers, teachers, frontline workers and local leaders throughout the programme to maintain transparency and accountability. The foundation described Parivartan as a long-term model for inclusive growth and community empowerment.

  • River lift irrigation empowers 5,700 farmers in Bengal

    River lift irrigation empowers 5,700 farmers in Bengal

    A River Lift Irrigation initiative led by Ambuja Foundation has transformed farming livelihoods for more than 5,700 farmers across 23 villages in Farakka, Murshidabad district, West Bengal.

    The foundation, working with partners, installed 25 River Lift Irrigation systems covering nearly 747 hectares of farmland, addressing chronic water scarcity that had confined local agriculture to a single crop cycle, the Foundation said in a statement.

    The River Lift Irrigation systems draw water from a nearby river, lift it to higher elevations and distribute it through an underground pipeline network, minimizing land loss and reducing maintenance costs compared with conventional irrigation infrastructure, according to the foundation.

    To sustain the project, Ambuja Foundation established Water User Groups in all 23 villages to manage operations, finances and maintenance, while engaging local pump operators to keep the systems running. The community-led model generates enough revenue to cover operational costs and wages, while building surplus funds for future upkeep, the foundation said.

    The River Lift Irrigation project has lifted cropping intensity in the region from 100% to 250%, while irrigation efficiency has improved by nearly 30%, the foundation said. Farmers who previously grew a single paddy crop are now cultivating Rabi crops such as mustard, wheat and maize, alongside vegetables including cabbage, cauliflower, potato and tomato, enabling two to three harvests a year.

    The economic impact has been significant. Average annual income per acre in the project area has risen to between 80,000 rupees and 150,000 rupees, from 25,000-30,000 rupees before the systems were installed, marking more than a twofold increase, the foundation said. Agricultural land values in the area have also climbed by nearly 20%, strengthening household assets.

    “Ambuja Foundation is committed to bring a meaningful change in rural India. Therefore, we supported rural communities in Farakka with River Lift Irrigation systems which allow families to secure sustainable livelihoods within their own villages,” said Chandrakant Kumbhani, CEO of Ambuja Foundation.

    “We look forward to collaborating on more projects under our sustainable agriculture program to strengthen and support rural communities on their journey toward economic resilience.”

    The initiative forms part of Ambuja Foundation’s broader sustainable agriculture program aimed at improving rural incomes and water resource management across India.

  • Coromandel, IICARE launch Jawali watershed plan in Maharasthra

    Coromandel, IICARE launch Jawali watershed plan in Maharasthra

    Coromandel International Limited, one of India’s leading agri-solutions companies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IICARE Foundation, a not-for-profit working on ecological restoration and climate resilience, to launch the landmark Jawali Watershed programme in Phaltan taluka, Satara district, Maharashtra.

    The agreement, announced on Tuesday, covers an integrated watershed, agro-forestry, nursery and landscape restoration initiative.

    The companies said the partnership would build a scientifically designed, community-driven and scalable model for sustainable land management, combining watershed development, agro-forestry, nursery planning and ecological restoration under one programme.

    Under the deal, IICARE Foundation will act as the lead implementation partner, coordinating with local communities, farmer groups, government bodies and technical agencies, the company said in a statement.

    Coromandel will contribute expertise in agronomy, soil and nutrient management, crop suitability, nursery design and watershed interventions, supporting the Jawali Watershed effort with scientific and strategic input.

    The programme will roll out in phases. The first stage involves site validation, soil and water assessments, contour studies, nursery planning and a detailed project report.

    Later phases will include pilot projects, nursery establishment, soil and water conservation structures, native plantations, agro-forestry demonstrations and farmer training, building toward a replicable, large-scale restoration model.

    Organisers said the initiative would follow a “nursery-first” and “pilot-to-scale” strategy, prioritising native and mixed-species plantations, groundwater recharge, soil health and long-term community stewardship.

    Performance will be tracked through indicators such as area restored, sapling survival rates, species diversity, water conservation and farmer participation.

    “This collaboration reflects Coromandel’s commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and strengthening the resilience of rural ecosystems,” said Narayanan Vellayan, Executive Director – Nutrient Business, Coromandel International Limited.

    “The programme aims to develop a practical and scalable model for restoring degraded landscapes and supporting sustainable livelihoods.”

    Dr Santosh Bhosale, Director, IICARE Foundation, called the Jawali Watershed programme a landmark step bringing together ecological restoration, watershed management and climate-resilient agriculture.

    “Coromandel’s technical capabilities and agricultural expertise will strengthen the programme’s scientific foundation and support a credible model that can be replicated across similar geographies,” he said.

  • TCSRD boosts Shala Praveshotsav 2026 in Gujarat with school kits and volunteering

    TCSRD boosts Shala Praveshotsav 2026 in Gujarat with school kits and volunteering

    Reinforcing its commitment to education and community development, Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD) is supporting Shala Praveshotsav 2026 across Okhamandal from June 23 to 25.

    The annual enrolment drive, organised by the Government of Gujarat and District Administration, welcomes children into Class 1, Balvatika, and Anganwadi centres.

    TCSRD will distribute school bags and educational kits to newly enrolled students in government schools across the Okhamandal block. The initiative is expected to benefit 2,534 students.

    Employees from over 20 Tata Chemicals departments will volunteer, contributing more than 350 hours to engage with students and parents and build excitement for learning.

    The programme brings together state government representatives, district officials, village leaders, parents and corporate volunteers in a collaborative effort to promote education, especially for girls, and ensure every child gets access to quality early education.

    “The first day of school is a special milestone in every child’s life. Through our support to Shala Praveshotsav, we aim to warmly welcome young learners with encouragement and enthusiasm,” Rino Raj, Vice President and Site Head, Mithapur, said in a statement.

    “Together with schools, parents and the community, we remain committed to strengthening access to quality education and building a strong foundation for every child’s future success.”

  • HCLFoundation seeks NGO applications for Rs 24 Crore HCLTech Grant Edition XII

    HCLFoundation seeks NGO applications for Rs 24 Crore HCLTech Grant Edition XII

    HCLFoundation has invited applications from non-profit organisations across India for Edition XII of the HCLTech Grant, Rs 24 crore initiative targeting transformative rural development across four themes — water, biodiversity, health and education.

    The corporate social responsibility arm of global technology company HCLTech is accepting submissions at www.hclfoundation.org/hcltech-grant until June 30, 2026, the Foundation said in a statement on Thursday.

    Four winning organisations, one from each theme, will receive Rs 5 crore each. Eight additional NGOs will receive Rs 50 lakh each for proposed projects across the same categories.

    “Some of the most transformative solutions emerge from grassroots organisations deeply connected to the communities they serve,” said Dr Nidhi Pundhir, Director, HCLFoundation.

    “Through this edition of HCLTech Grant, we aim to provide a platform for NGOs to unleash their potential, scale innovative ideas and create sustainable change.”

    The HCLTech Grant has to date reached 2.3 million lives across 61,000 villages in India. Funded initiatives have resulted in the planting of more than three lakh saplings, rejuvenation of over 68,300 hectares of land and a reduction of more than 67,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Total commitments under the programme now exceed ₹203 crore.

    Winners of Edition XI included Gramin Vikas Vigyan Samiti from Rajasthan, Live Foundation from Jharkhand, Goodwill Foundation from Mizoram and Mahila Jan Adhikar Samiti from Rajasthan, each receiving Rs 5 crore for projects spanning water harvesting, biodiversity conservation, healthcare access and gender equality through education.

    HCLFoundation also announced the HCLTech Grant Edition XII Pan India Symposiums 2026, scheduled in Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Nagpur and New Delhi, to bring together NGOs, government bodies, corporates and policymakers on the role of CSR in nation building.

    HCLFoundation has positively impacted over 8.4 million lives through long-term programmes in education, health, sanitation, skill development, environment and disaster risk reduction.

  • IFAD launches transformative India rural development roadmap worth USD 4.2 billion

    IFAD launches transformative India rural development roadmap worth USD 4.2 billion

    The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of India have launched a transformative eight-year rural development strategy, committing to scale investment, strengthen climate resilience and accelerate inclusive agricultural growth across the country’s vast rural economies.

    The new Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) 2026–2033 was unveiled at the IFAD–India Partnership for Rural Prosperity event held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on April 12, bringing together senior government representatives, IFAD leadership, development partners and private sector actors.

    The strategy sets two core objectives: enhancing the social, economic and climatic resilience of rural communities; and strengthening knowledge systems to scale proven models domestically and share them across the Global South.

    The announcement marks a pivotal expansion of one of IFAD’s largest country partnerships. Across 35 projects, USD 1.36 billion in IFAD financing has mobilised more than twice as much from partners, for a total investment of USD 4.2 billion.

    A senior IFAD delegation led by Associate Vice-President Donal Brown held talks with officials from India’s Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Ministry of Rural Development. Discussions covered smallholder support, digital agriculture, climate-resilient crops such as millets, and expanding farmer producer organisations.

    Brown said the partnership goes beyond individual projects and focuses on building systems that connect institutions, finance, infrastructure and markets for long-term rural development, IFAD said in a statement.

    The strategy places significant emphasis on strengthening grassroots institutions including self-help groups, farmer producer organisations and cooperatives, expected to play a key role in linking finance, technology, infrastructure and markets.

    On the financing front, IFAD signed a strategic partnership with NABARD on the sidelines of the event to expand rural finance and innovation. NABARD Chairman Shaji K V said the two institutions share a conviction that rural financial systems work best when built from the community up. International Fund for Agricultural Development

    The new strategy also positions India as a knowledge leader in rural development, with plans to share successful models in digital agriculture, inclusive rural finance and climate-resilient value chains with partner countries across Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

    The IFAD delegation also undertook field visits to Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district to review community-led initiatives under the Meghalaya Livelihoods and Access to Markets Project, and held talks with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on future agricultural cooperation.

    India and IFAD have partnered for nearly 48 years, financing 35 rural development projects worth approximately USD 4.2 billion, with six ongoing projects focused on market linkages, climate-resilient agriculture and training programmes.

    “India is not only transforming its own rural economy — it is generating solutions that are relevant globally,” said Reehana Raza, IFAD Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.